Learning Activity 2.B: identifying & Removing Barriers to Employment

Objective: To discuss how to remove barriers for persons with disabilities in employment.

In many countries statistics demonstrate there are low employment rates for people with disabilities. In your group, discuss and list the reasons why this could be so.

Step 1

Write each reason you identify on a card. When you have finished generating your ideas draw three large circles on your white board. The first circle labels women with disabilities, the second the general population of people with disabilities and the third young adults with disabilities.

From your cards, decide in which circle each should be placed, discuss each idea and consider whether the reasons for limited employment options have a greater impact on women or young people with disabilities than the general population of job seekers with disabilities. If you do not think the reason has a greater impact on women or young people, place it in the middle circle.

If you think an idea or reason has a greater impact on both young people AND women, then duplicate the card and place it in both of the circles.

You can use the handout of the matrix template to note your ideas for future reference.

Step 2

When you have placed all your cards exchange your white board with that of another group and invite one person from the other group to join you. Also send an “Ambassador” from your group who can explain your ideas to the group that now has your white board. Go through the list of new ideas and see if there are any notable differences. Then choose one card from the circle of barriers that affect women with disabilities and one from the circle of barriers that affect young adults. You are going to develop a strategy to reduce or eliminate this barrier.

Step 3

In turn, discuss each of the cards. Undertake a root cause analysis to try and understand the true cause of the barrier (there is not much point in only addressing the symptom). Identify what actions could be taken and prepare a short presentation of your ideas to share in plenary.

Go back to the matrix template to take note of any relevant information you gain from the other presentations.

You have 20 minutes to complete Step 1, 10 minutes to review and complete Step 2, and 30 minutes to complete Step 3. Your presentation back to plenary should be no longer than a 5-minute summary.